TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIGlobal
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
No Result
View All Result
TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean

Zelensky: “The Most Effective Sanctions on Russia Are Fires at Russian Oil Refineries, Terminals, and Oil Depots”

Smriti Singh by Smriti Singh
September 15, 2025
in Europe
Zelenskyy asked YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music to ban Russian language content as it is getting insane popularity in Ukraine despite the ongoing war 

Zelenskyy asked YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music to ban Russian language content as it is getting insane popularity in Ukraine despite the ongoing war 

Share on FacebookShare on X

In a bold and provocative statement that has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the most effective sanctions against Russia are the ongoing fires at its oil refineries, terminals, and oil depots.

The remark, delivered during a press conference in Kyiv amid escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict, underscores Ukraine’s frustration with the slow pace of Western sanctions and highlights the disruptive impact of sabotage operations on Russia’s war machine.

Also Read

Leaked Russian War Planes Reveal NATO First-Strike Targets

Ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel Blames Poland and Baltic States for Escalating Putin’s War in Ukraine

Russia’s Supremacy Over NATO Airspace? Ukraine’s Air Force has revealed that the U.S.-made Patriot systems’ success rate is now only 6% against modified Russian ballistic missiles, such as the Iskander and Kinzhal.

Context of the Statement

Zelensky’s comments come at a time when Ukraine has intensified its asymmetric warfare tactics against Russia’s energy infrastructure. Over the past year, a series of mysterious fires and explosions have plagued Russian oil facilities, significantly reducing the country’s refining capacity and export revenues. These incidents, often attributed to Ukrainian drone strikes or insider sabotage, have been a thorn in Moscow’s side, forcing Russia to import refined products and straining its economy amid Western sanctions.

“The sanctions from our partners are important, but they are not enough,” Zelensky stated, his voice firm as he addressed reporters. “The most effective sanctions are those fires at Russian oil refineries, terminals, and oil depots. They hit where it hurts – in the Kremlin’s wallet and its ability to fund this war.”

The president’s words were met with a mix of applause from Ukrainian supporters and condemnation from Russian officials, who labeled them as “terrorism glorification.” International observers, however, see them as a pragmatic assessment of the battlefield realities.

The Impact of Fires on Russian Oil Infrastructure

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has faced a barrage of sanctions aimed at crippling its energy sector, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP. However, the targeted attacks on oil facilities have proven particularly devastating. According to energy analysts, these incidents have led to the shutdown of up to 15% of Russia’s refining capacity in recent months.

Key events include:

March 2025 Fire at the Ryazan Refinery: A massive blaze halted operations at one of Russia’s largest refineries, causing an estimated $500 million in damages and disrupting fuel supplies to the Russian military.

July 2025 Explosion at Novoshakhtinsk Terminal: Attributed to a drone strike, this incident destroyed several storage tanks, leading to a spike in global oil prices and further isolating Russia from international markets.

August 2025 Blaze at Ust-Luga Oil Depot: Fires raged for days, forcing evacuations and highlighting vulnerabilities in Russia’s export infrastructure.

These disruptions have not only reduced Russia’s oil revenues by billions but have also forced President Vladimir Putin to ration fuel for domestic use and seek alternative suppliers from allies like Iran and North Korea. Zelensky’s statement implicitly credits Ukraine’s special forces and intelligence operations for these “sanctions,” suggesting a shift in strategy towards direct economic warfare.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout

Zelensky’s remark has drawn sharp reactions from around the world. The United States and European Union, key supporters of Ukraine, issued cautious statements emphasizing the importance of legal sanctions while avoiding direct endorsement of sabotage tactics. “We stand with Ukraine in its defense, but all actions must align with international law,” a White House spokesperson said.

In contrast, Russia has vowed retaliation, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accusing Zelensky of “admitting to state-sponsored terrorism.” The Kremlin has ramped up its propaganda efforts, portraying the fires as accidents caused by poor maintenance rather than deliberate attacks.

Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the escalation, warning that such statements could justify further violence on both sides. Meanwhile, environmental groups have highlighted the ecological damage from these fires, including oil spills and air pollution affecting regions far beyond the conflict zone.

Broader Implications for the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Zelensky’s comments reflect a growing impatience in Kyiv with the West’s reluctance to provide long-range weapons capable of striking deep into Russian territory. By framing sabotage as “effective sanctions,” the president is pressuring allies to either loosen restrictions on Ukrainian operations or impose tougher measures themselves.

Experts believe this rhetoric could galvanize domestic support in Ukraine while signaling to Moscow that its energy lifeline remains under threat. As the conflict enters its fourth year, the war’s economic dimension is becoming as critical as the military one. Russia’s ability to sustain its invasion hinges on oil revenues, and continued disruptions could tip the balance in Ukraine’s favor.

Zelensky’s provocative statement serves as a stark reminder of the unconventional warfare shaping the Ukraine crisis. Whether these “fires” will lead to a breakthrough in peace negotiations or further entrench the stalemate remains to be seen. For now, they burn brightly as symbols of resistance and resilience.

 

Tags: #RussiaUkrianeWar#VolodymyrZelensky
ShareTweetSend
Smriti Singh

Smriti Singh

Endlessly curious about how power moves across maps and minds

Also Read

Poland's refusal to extradite the Ukrainian suspect in the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage case investigation raises the question of European unity. Was Russia correct?

 Poland’s refusal to extradite the Ukrainian suspect in the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage case investigation raises the question of European unity. Was Russia correct?

October 8, 2025
Germany's AfD chief Alice Weidel: "The planned EU-wide 'chat control' is an absolutely totalitarian project. It means the de facto abolition of digital privacy". She wants a strong Europe without unelected Ursula von der Leyen and without EU dictatorship. 

Germany AfD Leader Alice Weidel’s Fiery Stand Against EU’s ‘Chat Control’: A Battle for Privacy and Sovereignty in Europe without EU dictatorship. 

October 8, 2025
 The pro-EU Party won in Romania and Moldova, but not the protests, while Mass Protests Shake Georgia after a pro-Russian party Wins Municipal Elections. Here Why? 

 The pro-EU Party won in Romania and Moldova, but not the protests, while Mass Protests Shake Georgia after a pro-Russian party Wins Municipal Elections. Here Why? 

October 7, 2025
AfD leader Alice Weidel wants a strong Europe without unelected Ursula von der Leyen and without EU dictatorship. From the Czech Republic, France, to Germany, Political Earthquake Shakes Europe: The Rise of the Right-Wing Tide defying the EU

From the Czech Republic, France, to Germany, Political Earthquake Shakes Europe: The Rise of the Right-Wing Tide wants Europe without unelected Ursula von der Leyen and without EU dictatorship

October 7, 2025
Ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel Blames Poland and Baltic States for Escalating Putin’s War in Ukraine

Ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel Blames Poland and Baltic States for Escalating Putin’s War in Ukraine

October 6, 2025
France in Crisis: PM Sébastien Lecornu’s Shock Resignation within 24 hours after unveiling his cabinet Deepens Macron’s Political Turmoil

France in Crisis: PM Sébastien Lecornu’s Shock Resignation within 24 hours after unveiling his cabinet Deepens Macron’s Political Turmoil

October 6, 2025
Youtube Twitter Facebook
TFIGlobalTFIGlobal
Right Arm. Round the World. FAST.
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • TFIPOST – English
  • TFIPOST हिन्दी
  • Careers
  • Brand Partnerships
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. View our Privacy and Cookie Policy.